Curve simulation device for a bicycle ergometer

ABSTRACT

A curve simulation apparatus device for a bicycle ergometer comprising:a base part with a curved support surface for laterally tiltable support on a floor, the contact area of the base part comprises a curved middle section with a first radius of curvature and a curved tilting section with a second curvature radius and laterally adjoining the curved middle section, the second radius of curvature of the curved tilting section being smaller than the first radius of curvature of the curved middle section.

The invention relates to a curve simulation device for a bicycle ergometer, comprising:

-   -   a base part with a curved contact area for laterally tiltable         placement on a floor and an upper surface for positioning a base         body of the bicycle ergometer.

Further, the invention relates to a bicycle ergometer with such a curve simulation device.

EP 0 925 809 B1 describes an ergometer with a base consisting of a front cross member and a rear cross member. Curved elements are attached to the underside of the cross elements, which allow the ergometer to be tilted sideways to simulate cornering. In this way, muscle groups can be addressed which cannot be trained with conventional bicycle ergometers. However, the curved elements of the prior art are hardly suitable for practical use. Due to the comparatively small radius of curvature of the curved elements in the central area, it is not possible to maintain a stable central position. The ergometer would constantly tip to one side or the other. This would make training difficult or impossible.

Thus, the task of the present invention is to alleviate or eliminate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. The invention preferably aims at creating a curve simulation device for bicycle ergometers which enables an effective change between an upright riding position and a curve riding position of the exerciser.

This task is solved by a curve simulation device according to claim 1 and a bicycle ergometer according to claim 14. Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, the contact area of the base part comprises a curved middle section with a first radius of curvature and a curved tilting section with a second radius of curvature laterally adjoining the curved middle section. The second radius of curvature of the curved tilting section is smaller than the first radius of curvature of the curved middle section.

The large radius of curvature in the middle section enables training in an upright riding position as with conventional ergometers, but with additional small swiveling and balancing movements to the side without hitting an end stop. Thus, the large radius of curvature in the middle section allows for a more lifelike riding experience than conventional ergometers. Preferably, the middle section extends symmetrically about a center plane (vertical with respect to a neutral center position) of the base part, which preferably corresponds to the vertical plane of symmetry of the base body of the bicycle ergometer when in use. The small radius of curvature in the tilting section interrupts the large radius of curvature in the middle section, with the effect of maintaining the lean angle during simulated cornering. Preferably, the tilting section connects directly laterally outward to the middle section. If the large radius of curvature were to extend to the side, this would result in the bicycle ergometer always tending toward the neutral center position. This is prevented by the tilting section with the smaller second radius of curvature compared to the middle section. Thus, cornering can be simulated for any desired duration. By a slight shift of weight towards the center, the bicycle ergometer is swung back via the tilting section towards the neutral center position, in which a straight-line ride, with minor lateral fluctuations, is simulated. The invention therefore enables a fluid, intuitive change between two training modes, a dynamic normal ride in the upright position of the bicycle ergometer, allowing slight fluctuations, and a cornering ride with no tendency to return to the neutral center position when the bicycle ergometer is tilted.

In a preferred embodiment, the middle section and/or the tilting section is curved in a circular arc in cross-section (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bicycle ergometer).

Preferably, the curved contact area of the base part (with respect to the service loads) is essentially invariant in shape. Thus, the desired effect is achieved by the different curvature of the center and tilting sections of the contact area and not by spring and/or damping elements.

To achieve this advantageous effect, in a preferred embodiment the first radius of curvature is larger than the second radius of curvature by a multiple, preferably by more than 3 times, more preferably by more than 5 times, in particular by more than 10 times, for example by more than 15 times. Thus, the first radius of curvature can be more than 17 times larger than the second radius of curvature.

In a preferred embodiment, the first radius of curvature is between 1100 mm and 1900 mm, in particular substantially 1500 mm, and/or the second radius of curvature is between 50 mm and 120 mm, in particular substantially 85 mm.

In order to enable the change between normal ride with the bicycle ergometer in the upright position and simulated cornering with the bicycle ergometer in the tilted position to take place smoothly and quickly, in a preferred embodiment the curved middle section comprises an arc length which is preferably several times longer, for example by more than 3 times, in particular by more than 5 times, longer than the curved tilting section, wherein the arc length of the curved middle section preferably being from 130 mm to 250 mm and/or the arc length of the curved tilting section being from 15 mm to 40 mm.

In order to be able to simulate cornering in both directions, in a preferred embodiment the contact area of the base part comprises two curved tilting sections, each having the second radius of curvature, the two curved tilting sections adjoining the curved middle section on opposite sides. Preferably, the two curved tilting sections are identically formed and arranged mirror-inverted with respect to the vertical center plane of the base part. Preferably, the middle section extends symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane of symmetry of the base part of the bicycle ergometer.

In order to limit the maximum inclination of the bicycle ergometer during simulated cornering, the contact area of the base part comprises an end stop on opposite side edges in each case in a preferred embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, the end stop can be formed by a curved edge section of the contact area with such a small radius of curvature that the bicycle ergometer cannot tilt beyond it under normal usage forces.

For stable arrangement during simulated cornering, in a preferred embodiment the contact area comprises a substantially straight section laterally towards the respective side edge adjoining the tilting section.

In a first preferred embodiment of the curve simulation device as a retrofit unit for a conventional bicycle ergometer, a fastening element is provided for the detachable arrangement of the base part on the base body of the bicycle ergometer, the fastening element preferably being a fastening tape, in particular a Velcro tape. Preferably, a pedestal of the bicycle ergometer is fixed to the upper side of the base part by means of the fastening element.

With regard to a simple and stable arrangement of the bicycle ergometer on the curve simulation device, in a preferred embodiment the base part comprises a fastening opening for attaching the fastening element, in particular the fastening tape, preferably two fastening openings spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction being provided on each side of the central plane of the base part.

In a preferred embodiment, the base part comprises an anti-slip coating on the upper side for non-slip arrangement of the base body of the bicycle ergometer on the base part. Preferably, the anti-slip coating comprises markings for symmetrical arrangement of the base body of the bicycle ergometer on the base part.

In an alternative embodiment, the base part is formed integrally with the base body of the bicycle ergometer. Thus, the curve simulation device can also be formed integrally with the base body of the bicycle ergometer.

In a preferred embodiment, the base part comprises a handle for lifting and stowing the curve simulation device.

To enable training evaluation, in a preferred embodiment the curve simulation device comprises a sensor for detecting an inclination of the base part with respect to the horizontal. Furthermore, a memory for detecting the inclination as a function of time may be provided. The training data may be shown on a display.

In a preferred embodiment of the bicycle ergometer, two curve simulation devices are provided, each of which is connected to a foot portion of the base body.

The invention is further explained below with reference to examples of embodiments shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a bicycle ergometer equipped with a curve simulation device.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the bicycle ergometer according to FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the bicycle ergometer of FIGS. 1, 2 .

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the bicycle ergometer of FIGS. 1 to 3 .

FIG. 5 shows the bicycle ergometer of FIGS. 1 to 4 in the neutral center position and in the two tilted positions for simulating cornering.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the curve simulation device according to FIGS. 1 to 5 .

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the curve simulation device according to FIGS. 1 to 6 .

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged detailed view of the curve simulation device according to FIGS. 1 to 7 .

FIGS. 9 to 12 show an alternative embodiment of a bicycle ergometer with a curve simulation device.

In FIGS. 1 to 3 a bicycle ergometer 1 is shown which comprises a horizontal longitudinal axis 2 (cf. FIGS. 2 and 4 ) in the direction of (simulated) travel. As usual, the bicycle ergometer 1 comprises a base body 3 with a vertical plane of symmetry, on which two pedals 4 are rotatably mounted via cranks 5. By transmitting force to the pedals 4, a flywheel 6 is set in rotation about an axis of rotation 7 (cf. FIG. 3 ). Furthermore, the bicycle ergometer 1 comprises, also as usual, a handle 8, a saddle 9, and at the front and at the rear in each case a foot part 10, which in each case extends transversely to the longitudinal axis 2 in the horizontal direction. When the bicycle ergometer 1 stands on a horizontal floor via the foot parts 10, the axis of rotation 7 of the flywheel 6 is arranged in a horizontal plane.

In the embodiment shown, the bicycle ergometer 1 further comprises a curve simulation device 11. The curve simulation device 11 comprises a one-piece base part 12 with a curved contact area 13 which rests on the ground. In the embodiment shown, two base parts 12 are provided, which are arranged below the foot parts 10. With the aid of the curved contact area 13 of the base part 12, the bicycle ergometer can be tilted from the neutral central position shown in FIG. 1 with horizontal arrangement of the axis of rotation 7 into an inclined position in which the axis of rotation 7 is arranged at an angle of 5 to 12° (degrees), in particular 9 to 11°, for example substantially 10° (with respect to the horizontal.

In the embodiment shown, the contact area 13 of the base part comprises a convexly curved middle section 14 (cf. FIG. 8 ) with a first radius of curvature R1 and convexly curved tilting sections 15 with a second radius of curvature R2, each adjoining the curved middle section 14 laterally (i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2). Preferably, the middle section 14 and both tilting sections 15 are each designed as circular arcs in cross section. The second radius of curvature R2 of the curved tilting section 15 is thereby smaller than the first radius of curvature R1 of the curved middle section 14. In the embodiment shown, the first radius of curvature R1 is larger than the second radius of curvature R2 by a multiple, preferably by more than 15 times, for example by approximately 17.5 times. For example, the first radius of curvature R1 may be between 1100 mm and 1900 mm, in particular substantially 1500 mm, and the second radius of curvature may be between 50 mm and 120 mm, in particular substantially 85 mm. The curved middle section 14 comprises a longer arc length than the curved tilting section 15. The arc length of the curved middle section 14 is preferably from 130 mm to 250 mm. The arc length of the curved tilting section 15 is preferably from 15 mm to 40 mm.

In the embodiment shown, the contact area 13 of the base part 12 comprises an end stop 16A on each of the two opposite side edges, which defines the maximum tilt angle. The end stop 16A is formed by an end portion of the contact area 13. In addition, the contact area 13 comprises substantially planar, i.e. straight in cross-section (perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the base part 3), sections 16B between the tilting sections 15 and the end stops 16A.

FIGS. 1 to 8 show an embodiment of the curve simulation device 1 as an attachment part, which can be reversibly releasably connected to the base part 10 of the bicycle ergometer 1. For the releasable arrangement of the base part 12 to the bicycle ergometer 1, a fastening element 17 is provided, which in the embodiment shown is designed as a Velcro tape. The base part 12 comprises two respective fastening openings 18 spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the base part 12, on either side of the central plane of the base part 12. The fastening element 17 is guided through one of the two fastening openings 18, wrapped around the foot part 10 of the bicycle ergometer 1 and fixed in place.

In the embodiment shown, the base part 12 comprises an anti-slip coating 19 (cf. FIG. 2 and FIG. 7 ) on the upper side, which prevents the foot part 10 from slipping relative to the base part 12.

In addition, in the embodiment shown, the base part 12 comprises a handle 20 formed by two handle openings 21 on a taper 22 of the base part 12.

Furthermore, the curve simulation device 1 may comprise a sensor 23 for detecting an inclination of the base part 12 with respect to the horizontal. Information about the training, in particular the inclination of the base part 12, preferably also the duration of the simulated cornering, can be shown on a display 24 of the bicycle ergometer 1.

FIGS. 9 to 12 show an alternative embodiment in which the base part 12 is formed integrally with the foot part 10 of the bicycle ergometer 1. With regard to the contact area 13, reference can be made to the preceding explanations. 

1. A curve simulation device for a bicycle ergometer, comprising: a base part with a curved contact area for laterally tiltable placement on a floor, wherein the contact area of the base part comprises a curved middle section with a first radius of curvature and a curved tilting section with a second radius of curvature, the curved tilting section laterally adjoining the curved middle section, the second radius of curvature of the curved tilting section being smaller than the first radius of curvature of the curved middle section.
 2. Curve simulation device according to claim 1, wherein the first radius of curvature is larger than the second radius of curvature by a multiple.
 3. Curve simulation device according to claim 2, wherein the first radius of curvature is between 1100 mm and 1900 mm and/or the second radius of curvature is between 50 mm and 120 mm.
 4. Curve simulation device according to claim 1, wherein the curved middle section comprises a longer arc length than the curved tilting section.
 5. Curve simulation device according to claim 1, wherein the contact area of the base part comprises two curved tilting sections, each having the second radius of curvature, the two curved tilting sections adjoining the curved middle section on opposite sides.
 6. Curve simulation device according to claim 1, wherein the contact area of the base part comprises an end stop on each opposite side edge.
 7. Curve simulation device according to claim 1, wherein the contact area comprises a substantially straight section laterally towards the respective side edge adjoining the tilting section.
 8. Curve simulation device according to claim 1, wherein a fastening element for releasably arranging the base part on the base body of the bicycle ergometer.
 9. Curve simulation device according to claim 8, wherein the base part comprises a fastening opening for attaching the fastening element.
 10. Curve simulation device according to claim 8, wherein the base part comprises an anti-slip coating on the upper side for non-slip arrangement of the base body of the bicycle ergometer on the base part.
 11. Curve simulation device according to claim 1, wherein the base part is formed integrally with the base body of the bicycle ergometer.
 12. Curve simulation device according to claim 1, wherein the base part comprises a handle.
 13. Curve simulation device according to claim 1, wherein a sensor for detecting an inclination of the base part with respect to the horizontal.
 14. Bicycle ergometer, comprising: a base body on which two pedals are rotatably mounted, and a curve simulation device comprising: a base part with a curved contact area for laterally tiltable placement on a floor, wherein the contact area of the base part comprises a curved middle section with a first radius of curvature and a curved tilting section with a second radius of curvature, the curved tilting section laterally adjoining the curved middle section, the second radius of curvature of the curved tilting section being smaller than the first radius of curvature of the curved middle section.
 15. Curve simulation device according to claim 1, wherein the first radius of curvature is larger than the second radius of curvature by a multiple of more than 3 times. 